The Study of Time

Critical analysis reveals the "where" before you decide on "how"

By Jerry Harbour

In many operational settings, time represents a critical performance driver. For example, in their book On the Mend, Dr. John Toussaint and Roger A. Gerard note the importance of minimizing time in the healthcare industry, especially when time to treatment is the most critical factor regarding a patient’s chance for recovery. Indeed, in many emergency response settings, time really is of the essence. Time also can be a critical cost driver, especially when expensive technological systems are employed on an hourly or day-rate basis. Reducing time in such settings can, therefore, lead to significant cost savings. Additionally, when there is a fixed time window in which work must be performed, reducing associated task times can increase overall productivity significantly within the allotted timeframe.